CPI(M) protests sharp cut in Kerala Sahitya Akademi funding

K.V. Abdul Khader

The CPI(M) has demanded that the State government withdraw its decision to drastically reduce the financial allocation to the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, alleging that the move will cripple the functioning of the premier cultural institution.

In a statement, CPI(M) Thrissur district committee secretary K.V. Abdul Khader said the government had substantially cut the Akademi’s funding through its October 11 order (No. 578/2026/CLAD).

The previous LDF government had allocated ₹5 crore to the Akademi in its latest Budget, which was reduced to ₹3.5 crore in the first Budget of the UDF government. The latest government order has further restricted the allocation to ₹50 lakh, comprising ₹25 lakh for programmes and ₹25 lakh for award ceremonies, he said.

The reduced allocation would severely affect the Akademi’s activities, including the proposed international literary festival, book festival, library requirements and republication of old books, Mr. Khader said.

The Akademi had remained without office-bearers for nearly four months after the UDF government assumed office. A governing body headed by writer Kalpetta Narayanan had since taken charge.

The financial constraints had also resulted in salary arrears for Akademi employees for the past two months, Mr. Khader claimed. Salaries for August had been disbursed with a delay of a fortnight, he added.

Mr. Khader said the funding reduction came at a time when the Akademi was approaching its 70th anniversary. He alleged that the government’s decision reflected a negative approach towards the cultural sector and called upon cultural activists and the public to protest against what he termed neglect of the Akademi.

The CPI(M) district committee secretary urged the government to reconsider the order and ensure adequate financial support for the institution.